Guide
Indented Head Squid Fishing
How to fish Indented Head for squid on the Bellarine, covering shallow sand and seagrass flats, offshore wind, tide and low-light timing
Indented Head Fishing at a Glance
- Fishing focus: southern calamari over shallow sand and seagrass flats; work sand holes and weed edges rather than dragging the jig through weed.
- Small-boat access: Better Boating Victoria identifies Indented Head as a small-boat launching option. Check current signs and conditions at the ramp before launching.
- Parking: City of Greater Geelong lists free parking at Anderson Reserve, 257 The Esplanade, Indented Head. Follow local parking signs when you arrive.
- Rui’s timing advice: start with a higher or making tide around dawn or dusk, giving squid more water over the flats.
- Jig choice: size 2.5 is the guide’s starting point for shallow, clear water; adjust for depth and wind as explained below.
Indented Head sits on the eastern Bellarine between Portarlington to the north and St Leonards to the south. Unlike a deep-water pier spot, it is mostly shallow sand and seagrass flats fished from the beach, foreshore, boat-ramp area, by wading or by kayak. On the right wind, it can be some of the clearest, calmest calamari water on the Bellarine.
The date matters less than conditions. This guide explains how the flats behave and what to plan for. For the full method, start with Eging Australia, and in winter pair it with Winter Squid Fishing Victoria.
Shallow sand and seagrass flats
Indented Head is broad, shallow sand broken up by seagrass and ribbon weed. That is prime southern calamari habitat, but it also means presentation matters. Dragging a jig through open weed is a fast way to foul hooks. Fish the sand holes, weed edges and slightly deeper drains that hold water as the tide drops.
Read How to Read Water for Squid Fishing if you want the structure framework first.
Best time and tide
Tide matters more here than it does at deeper piers. The flats fish best on a higher or making tide, when there is enough water for squid to move in confidently. A dead low can leave you walking mud or fishing water too skinny to work a jig properly.
Stack that with dawn or dusk and you have the highest-value window. The early dark of winter makes those sessions easier to time.
Best wind direction
Same eastern-Bellarine logic as nearby St Leonards and Portarlington: land sits to the west, so west to south-west winds blow offshore. Those winds flatten the shallow flats and help keep the water clear. Strong easterly or north-easterly winds blow onshore and can turn skinny sand water milky fast.
Before committing, check the Squid Fishing Weather Guide and the live radar.
Squid jig size for Indented Head
Shallow, clear water calls for smaller, slower jigs:
- 2.5 - the go-to over shallow flats; lands softly and sinks slowly.
- 1.8-2.0 - useful in very skinny, calm, clear water with spooky squid.
- 3.0 - for deeper drains, the ramp edges or windier sessions.
Use what size squid jig to use for the broader size system.
Sinking rate and line setup
Over skinny water, slow sink is essential. A fast jig can touch bottom or foul weed before it fishes. Lean toward standard or slow-sink models, keep them hanging over the flat, and run light PE 0.6-0.8 braid with a fluorocarbon leader so the presentation stays subtle.
See the Squid Jig Sinking Rate Guide and Best Line for Squid Fishing.
Working the flats
Cast to a sand hole or weed edge, let the jig sink on light tension, then work it with small lifts and long pauses. In shallow water, squid often grab the jig while it hangs or drops. Do not overwork it. Watch the line and lift only when you feel real weight.
For technique detail, read How to Work a Squid Jig and When to Strike.
Access: beach, boat ramp and kayak
Indented Head has foreshore access, beach walking, parking and a boat ramp for kayaks or small boats. The shallow water suits careful wading, but soft sand and weed can be slippery. Move slowly, keep clear of boat users around the ramp, and do not walk into water you cannot read.
Landing and etiquette
Landing is usually easier here than on a high pier, but a small landing net still keeps things clean. Give other anglers room on the flat, take ink and rubbish home, and always check the Squid Fishing Regulations guide before keeping a feed.
Recommended gear and where to buy jigs
- A light Egi Rods Australia setup, 2500 reel, PE 0.6-0.8 braid and fluorocarbon leader.
- A small spread of 2.5 jigs, plus one or two 1.8-2.0 finesse options and a 3.0 for deeper edges.
- Natural and soft pink colours for clear water, plus a glow option for dawn and dusk.
- A landing net for the flats; if you also fish nearby piers, browse squid gaffs Australia.
For a buyer’s shortlist matched to this spot, see Best Squid Jig for Indented Head, or browse squid jigs Australia.
Nearby spots
- Portarlington Pier - just north, with a deeper pier option.
- St Leonards Pier - just south, with a pier and ramp.
- Queenscliff Harbour - further south near the bay entrance.
- Port Phillip Bay Squid Fishing - wider bay planning.
FAQ
Is Indented Head good for squid fishing?
Yes. The shallow sand and seagrass flats off Indented Head are classic southern calamari ground and can be fished from the beach, by wading or by kayak. It fishes best on a higher tide with offshore west to south-west wind keeping the water clear.
What size squid jig should I use at Indented Head?
Go small. A 2.5 is the all-round choice over the flats, a 1.8 to 2.0 helps in very shallow, calm, clear water, and a 3.0 covers deeper edges or windier days.
What is the best tide for Indented Head?
A higher or making tide is best because the flats need enough water for squid to move in confidently. Combine it with dawn or dusk for the strongest window.
Can you fish Indented Head without a boat?
Yes. It is mostly a land-based, beach, wading and kayak spot. A small boat or kayak simply lets you reach more of the flats quietly.